Press Releases

2018

Valley Presbyterian Hospital Turberculosis Notification - Free Screening for those who may have been exposed

Posted on
3/8/2018

VAN NUYS, Calif. - The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) and
Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) are collaboratively working to determine
the health status of patients and staff who have been identified as being
in close contact with a person recently diagnosed with active tuberculosis
(TB) disease. TB is a treatable and curable disease, which is spread through
the air by a person with active TB, to those who frequently share the same air.

Exposure doesn't necessarily mean that anyone, including, babies, children
or adults in the area, will contract the illness.
VPH has no reports of anyone contracting TB due to the possible exposure.

Patients and staff that may have been exposed are being notified and encouraged
to obtain testing. Those who do not receive notification identifying them
as someone who has been in close contact with the identified individual,
but still have concerns, may contact their local health department or
primary care physician.

Blood tests and medical treatment are being offered and provided as necessary
by VPH, free of charge, to affected patients and staff who have been notified
by the hospitals that they may be exposed.

VPH will be opening a clinic with special hours in order to provide the
necessary free testing for those who may have been exposed.

Valley Presbyterian Hospital wants to assure the public that the risks
of infection are
very low and that our commitment to health and safety remains strong. We sincerely
apologize for any inconvenience this issue may cause.

Because of medical confidentiality and privacy, VPH and Public Health are
unable to provide information on the details of individual cases or their contacts.

For more information about tuberculosis, visit the LA County Health Department
Tuberculosis Control Program
click here. To download a TB Fact Sheet
click here.

About Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Valley Presbyterian Hospital (VPH) is an independent, nonprofit and nonsectarian
hospital serving the medical needs of the San Fernando Valley community
for more than 50 years. VPH has grown to become one of the largest acute-care
hospitals in the region and continues to provide patient-centered care
for a healthy community. The 350-bed facility offers advanced technology
and a full range of medical services to improve and save lives.